Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:23:14 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Minister to visit Goldfields http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132806 Content:

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien will today visit the Goldfields region with Eyre MLA Graham Jacobs.

 

Mr O’Brien said the visit would provide a good opportunity to meet with local community members and small businessmen and women to discuss issues of importance to the area.

 

The Minister will attend the ‘Goldfields Matters’ community forum where he will outline the State Government’s approach to a number of important issues relevant to the region, as well as take questions from the floor.

 

“The Liberal-National Government is working hard to ensure the Goldfields region thrives into the future. Hearing direct from the community is the best way to ensure we are addressing their concerns,” he said.

 

Mr O’Brien will also travel to Kambalda to officially open the airport.

 

“Kambalda and the broader Goldfields is a key area of high economic activity in Western Australia,” he said.

 

“Having world-class aviation facilities like those in Kambalda not only benefits the local community but also makes the area more attractive to future economic investment.”

 

Minister's office - 9213 6400
Date: 20/11/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Transport
Region: Goldfields/Esperance
]]> Arbouin, Shane Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:28:09 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132806 Perth’s Narrows Bridge celebrates 50 years http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132773 Content:

Today marks a major milestone in the history of Perth’s Narrows Bridge.

 

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said the bridge was officially opened exactly 50 years ago by then Western Australian Governor, Sir Charles Gairdner.

 

Speaking at the anniversary celebrations, Mr O’Brien said since its opening in 1959, the Narrows Bridge had become an important link in WA’s transport network.

 

“Initially, the original six-lane structure was intended to carry about 6,000 vehicles per hour in each direction,” he said. It has played a much-more vital role over time, ferrying traffic to and from the city.

 

“In 1974, more than 77,500 vehicles were using the bridge every day. This doubled to more than 155,000 in 1998, making it the busiest piece of freeway in the nation.

 

“The latest figures show the bridge carries almost 180,000 vehicles every day.”

 

The Minister said the idea for a bridge where the Swan River narrowed at South Perth was initially mooted in the mid-1800s, although several attempts during the next century to bring it to fruition were thwarted.

 

The first serious proposal was considered in 1899, but the estimated cost of 13,000 pounds caused public outrage and the plan was shelved. Two years later, the Public Works Department prepared a sketch plan for a 900-foot timber bridge with central swing spans, but again it did not proceed.

 

Between 1947 and 1953, Main Roads began preparations for a Narrows Bridge, but construction was postponed in favour of the new Causeway bridges.

 

“When surveys in 1954 revealed Causeway traffic had more than doubled in five years, Main Roads resurrected the concept of a Narrows Bridge,” Mr O’Brien said.

 

“In 1956, Cabinet approved a design suitable for the attractive site and tenders were called for the construction.”

 

Measuring 396.5m with five spans, the longest span being 98m, the original Narrows Bridge made history as the largest precast, prestressed concrete bridge in the world.

 

The construction project included 5.4km of the Kwinana Freeway from the Narrows to Canning Highway, bringing the total cost to 3.5 million pounds ($7million).

 

The Minister said with Perth continuing to experience rapid growth, $70million was allocated to duplicate the Narrows Bridge in 1988.

 

The second bridge - opened on February 25, 2001 - increased the number of traffic lanes from seven to 10 and formed part of a $230million upgrade of the Kwinana Freeway and its extension to Safety Bay.

 

Two years ago the Narrows rail bridge was also commissioned as part of the Perth to Mandurah railway service.

 

Minister's office - 9213 6400
Date: 13/11/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Transport
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Arbouin, Shane Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:33:20 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132773 Perth taxi drivers honoured at 2009 award ceremony http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132769 Content:

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien has congratulated category winners at this year’s Taxi Driver of the Year Awards, held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex.

 

Mr O’Brien said that this was an important occasion for honouring and publicly recognising Western Australia’s taxi drivers.

 

“I wish to extend my congratulations to John Kosik, who was named as the 2009 WA Taxi Driver of the Year,” he said.

 

“Mr Kosik was honoured for demonstrating compassion and initiative during a recent medical emergency involving his passenger.

 

“The passenger was suffering side effects of an existing medical condition and Mr Kosik’s actions helped prevent what I am advised could have become a fatal situation for his passenger.

 

“There is no doubt he acted above and beyond the call of duty when the incident occurred. His personal and professional commitment sets an example and should be admired.”

 

The Minister said other individuals honoured included:

 

·                Tourism Taxi Driver of the Year:  Michael Beadle

·                Safety Driver of the Year:  Frances Morton

·                Access Driver of the Year:  Stephen Hazelwood

 

Mr O’Brien said the awards were a great opportunity to thank the industry for the work it does and to recognise those individual winners who have delivered outstanding service during the past year.

 

“I would like to say a special thank you to all of the 120 drivers who were nominated by their customers.  The quality of their work underpins the reputation of this industry, which is something to be very proud of,” he said.

 

“250 nominations were received this year from taxi passengers.  I thank them all for taking the time to nominate these drivers and acknowledging the valuable contributions they make to our day- to-day lives.

 

“It is really exciting to see so many drivers taking great pride in their work.

 

“I look forward to working with the taxi industry in the future, making the necessary changes that will benefit both drivers and the community.”

 

Minister's office - 9213 6400
Date: 11/11/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Transport
Region: All
]]> Stratford, Pamela Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:44:37 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132769 Motorcyclists get raw deal from the City of Perth http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132761 Content:

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien says the City of Perth’s decision to charge motorcyclists to park in the CBD, despite an earlier State Government decision to scrap the parking levy on motorcycle spaces, is a cynical revenue-raising activity.

 

Mr O’Brien said until recently the City of Perth was obliged to pay the Government $91 per motorcycle bay per year through the Perth Parking Management Act, money which was ultimately reinvested in the city’s public transport network.

 

“Earlier this year, in recognition of the role that motorcycles play in reducing traffic congestion, the Government removed the $91 parking levy altogether from designated motorcycle parking bays,” he said.

 

“This action removed a financial incumbency on parking providers to charge motorcyclist parking fees, as there is now no longer a levy to recoup.

 

“Information listed on the City of Perth’s website shows the council is still charging motorcyclists to park, despite there now being no reason to do so.

 

“Motorcycles do not add to traffic congestion and use very little space when parking. “

 

The Lord Mayor of the City of Perth, Lisa Scaffidi, has previously stated:

 

‘The Council recognises the environmental benefits of using

motorcycles and is keen to encourage their use.’

(CoP Media Statement, 29/05/2009)

 

“The City of Perth must explain to motorcyclists why they are being charged to park, when the Government has removed the parking levy,” the Minister said.   

 

“Between 2005 and 2010, the City of Perth will have raised more than $200million from parking fees, with somewhere in the vicinity of only about $18million being remitted by them to the State Government under the terms of the Perth Parking Management Act.

 

“Funds paid to the Government through the levying of parking spaces in the Perth CBD can only be spent in accordance with the Perth Parking Management Act.”

 

Mr O’Brien said recent claims by the City of Perth and the State Opposition that the Government planned to hoard the proceeds of the Perth Parking Levy, instead of reinvesting it in public transport, as required by the Perth Parking Management Act, were wrong.

 

“Under the system which has existed for many years, money received by the Government through the parking levy is reinvested in free CBD public transport, such as the CAT or free transit zone scheme,” he said.

 

“This will be no different in the future.

 

“Unlike the previous Labor government which wasted the boom years and failed to plan for the future, the Liberal-National Government is currently considering the long term requirements of the metropolitan public transport network.

 

“It is only logical that future public transport initiatives for the central Perth area, which comply with the requirements of the legislation, be funded through this stream.”

 

Minister's office - 9213 6400
Date: 10/11/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Transport
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD
]]> Arbouin, Shane Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:07:55 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132761 National taxi driver competency and English standards welcomed http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132751 Content:

The State Government has supported a States and Territories’ plan to adopt National Taxi Driver Competency Units and a National Minimum English Standard.

 

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien, speaking after the Federal and State Transport Ministers’ meeting, said the scheme would involve taxi drivers across Australia being required to pass a nationally-consistent testing regime.

 

“Currently, interstate drivers are taking advantage of a national protocol allowing them to transfer their taxi accreditation to our jurisdiction,” Mr O’Brien said.

 

“This enables these drivers to work in Western Australia without passing this State’s testing standard.

 

“I am concerned these drivers are getting their WA taxi licence and hitting our streets without having to undergo the rigorous assessment applied to WA-based cab drivers.

 

“A nationally consistent testing regime will mean all taxi drivers have to attain a minimum required standard and this should be welcomed by their customers.”

 

The Minister said he was acutely aware of community attitudes towards some lacking standards in the industry and was confident the national approach would eradicate any excuses for these low standards.

 

“Everyone has a horror story about a driver who did not know where they were going or who had sub-standard English speaking skills,” he said.

 

“The new measures will create a level playing field and taxi drivers new to WA will be required to meet the national standards - despite whether their accreditation is gained here or interstate.”

 

The scheme is scheduled to start on July 1, 2010. 

 

Minister's office - 9213 6400
Date: 6/11/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Transport
Region: All
]]> Stratford, Pamela Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:41:57 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132751 New Bunbury Port Authority chairperson appointed http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132745 Content:

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien has announced the appointment of the first woman chair of a port authority in Western Australia.

 

Neema Premji takes the role at the Bunbury Port Authority, supported by new board members Ray Frisina and Richard Baldwin.

 

Mr O’Brien said the Bunbury Port Authority had an exciting future and he looked forward to working with the new board.

 

“Neema has served on the board since 2002 and her skills and vast experience make her the ideal person to fulfill this role.” he said.

 

The Minister said Mr Frisina, a former Bunbury City councillor, had been appointed as the board’s deputy chairman.

 

“Ray is a certified practising accountant with experience in advising large commercial operations and small businesses. He is a new appointment to the board,” he said

 

Richard Baldwin, an environmentalist consultant, has also been appointed to the board.

 

Gary Wood, from Collie, and retired electrical engineer Derek Brennan-Jesson remain as directors under their current term.

 

“The new board line-up includes a good mix of professionals with the desired skill set, matched with outstanding leadership experience.  More importantly though they are people who are representative of the wider community,” Mr O’Brien said.

 

“I am confident they will provide insightful and expert strategic advice during the port authority’s future development.”

 

The Minister thanked outgoing chairman Jim Brosnan and board member David Smith for their efforts and dedication to the port authority since their appointments in 2003 and 2001 respectively.

 

Minister's office: 9213 6400
Date: 5/11/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Transport
Region: South West
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:33:24 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132745 New contract awarded for Indian Ocean Drive http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132737 Content:

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien today awarded B & J Catalano Pty Ltd the contract to provide basecourse material for Indian Ocean Drive, part of Lancelin-Cervantes Stage 2.

 

The $825,000 contract involves the supply, loading, carting and dumping of basecourse material, which will be used to construct approximately 7.5 kilometres of pavement at the project’s southern end.

 

Mr O’Brien said Lancelin-Cervantes Stage 2 would be built under direct management by Main Roads and involved the construction of a 55 kilometre stretch of road linking the two coastal towns. 

 

“The southern end of the new road will connect with the end of Stage 1 at Ocean Farms Estate, approximately 10 kilometres north of Lancelin,” he said.

 

“The road follows the coast for a major portion of the route, before connecting with the existing Pinnacles Drive, about 10 kilometres south of Cervantes.”

 

Once completed in mid-2011, the Indian Ocean Drive will provide a direct link between Perth’s northern suburbs and the coastal town of Dongara, providing improved access to the many coastal communities in between.

 

The Minister said the contract was scheduled to start this month with work estimated to be completed in January next year.

 

“The new road is expected to be very popular with tourists, as it is much shorter than the current route via Brand Highway,” Mr O’Brien said.

 

Minister's office: 9213 6400
Date: 4/11/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Transport
Region: Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Pilbara
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:37:05 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132737 Fifteen South-West bridges to be refurbished http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132738 Content:

Two contracts have been awarded to repair the bridge decks, guardrails and structures of 15 bridges located in the South-West region of the State.

                           

Bunbury-based company, Jonor Construction Pty Ltd, which has had a presence in the region for the past eight years, has been awarded both contracts which total $2.2million.

 

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said the maintenance and upgrade work would prolong the lifespan of the bridges, and improve road user safety.

 

Bridges being refurbished, with roads and bridge numbers included:

 

·           240A over Vasse River on Queen Street

·           470 over Preston River on Donnybrook-Kojonup Road

·           496 over Tone River on Muirs Road

·           537 over Margaret River on Bussell Highway

·           743 over Blackwood River on Arthur River Road

·           745 over Boyup Brook on Arthur River Road

·           3331A over Blackwood River on Slades Road

·           3922 on Holleys Road

·           202 over Preston River on Boyanup Picton Road

·           398 over Oakley Brook on Pinjarra Williams Road

·           435A over Collie River on Collie Lake King Road

·           3523 over Collie River on Mungalup Road

·           3570 over Nambeelup Brook on Paterson Road

·           4501 over Dandalup River on Del Park Road

·           5000 over Wellesley River on Marriot Road.

 

Mr O’Brien said that Jonor Constructions Pty Ltd had indicated they would utilise local goods and services during the project.

 

“The contractor is based in the South-West, with many of their employees based in Bunbury and Capel. It will also be using local plant hires, earthworks and transport companies, which will provide a boost for the local economy,” he said.

 

The works are scheduled to commence next month and be completed by June 2010.

 

The project will be managed by Main Roads Western Australia South West Region.

 

Minister's office - 9213 6400
Date: 4/11/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Transport
Region: Peel;South West
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:48:07 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132738 Waterfront development opportunity beckons for Geraldton http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132700 Content:

The State Government is assisting in the redevelopment of the Geraldton foreshore by making available almost a hectare of prime waterfront land near the town’s CBD.

 

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said today that the 8,575sqm site overlooked Champion Bay and was in a prime location between the foreshore and the city centre.

 

“The block was part of a total 1.45ha parcel of railway land which is now surplus to the Public Transport Authority (PTA)’s requirements,” Mr O’Brien said.

 

“It is bounded by Marine Terrace and Foreshore Drive, and extra public open space has already been allocated at each end - fronting Durlacher Street to the south and Forrest Street to the north.

 

“The project is the outcome of extensive collaboration between the PTA - which has invested more than $1million in a development process which has run over several years - the City of Geraldton-Greenough and the Mid-West Development Commission.”

 

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said the land’s marina zoning permitted intense development and allowed a mix of commercial, retail and residential.

 

“We are looking for a high-quality mixed-use development which will play an important role in shaping the future city centre,” Mr Blayney said.

 

The land is being offered for sale by tender.  Tenders close at 2pm on Wednesday, December 2 at the Perth office of Colliers International.  The successful tenderer will be required to demonstrate its financial capacity and development experience and profile.

 

“Development of the site must begin within three years or the city will be given the option of buying the land,” Mr Blayney said.

 

“The city will also have control over the style and quality of the proposed development through the City Centre Design Guidelines and Durlacher Precinct Design Guide.

 

“The rest of the land - the two ‘bookend’ blocks known as Weibbe Hayes Park (Lot 600, on Durlacher Street) and Edith Cowan Square (Lot 602, Forrest Street) - is being vested in the Crown as public open space and will be developed and managed by the city.

 

“The PTA facilitated the landscaping design and a Crime Prevention through Environmental Design appraisal.”

 

Further information about the land and tender arrangements is available from Colliers’ Ian Mickle on 9261 6628  or ian.mickle@colliers.com.

 

Minister's office - 9213 6400
Date: 28/10/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Transport
Region: Mid West;Gascoyne
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:03:21 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132700 Work starts on expanding train station car parks http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132685 Content:

The Liberal-National Government is delivering on its $49.5million State Budget commitment to add another 3,000 parking spaces at train stations on the Mandurah and Joondalup lines, with work to increase the number of parking spaces at Greenwood and Whitfords stations starting this week.

 

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said that common sense infrastructure projects such as additional parking at train stations had tremendous flow on effects.

 

“They give a greater number of people access to the public transport network, many of who might otherwise have driven all the way to work, adding to traffic congestion,” Mr O’Brien said.

 

The Minister said that construction would be undertaken at both stations at the same time.

 

“The new bays - approximately 170 at Greenwood and 200 at Whitfords - will be completed in the first half of next year,” he said.

 

“At both sites, the extra bays will be built in new areas, minimising the disruption to existing patrons.

 

“The designs include an underpass link to the existing car park, lighting and 24-hour CCTV.”

 

Plans for the Whitfords Stage 3 expansion, west of Mitchell Freeway, have been withdrawn following environmental assessments and community consultation.

 

Kingsley MLA Andrea Mitchell said she was pleased that the concerns of local residents had been heard as part of the community consultation process.

 

“The community consultation process was put in place to ensure that a balance was met between the needs of the local residents and the wider community surrounding the stations,” Ms Mitchell said. 

 

Minister's office  - 9213 6400
Date: 27/10/2009
Minister: O'Brien
Portfolio: Transport
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:35:52 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132685